DE102024203811A1 - Vehicle brakes and brake pad set - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle brake (10), in particular an electromechanical vehicle brake, is shown, comprising a brake carrier in which a space is provided for receiving a brake rotor and on which a brake caliper (16) is floatingly mounted via axial linear guides, an axially displaceable brake piston (44), and a brake pad set with an inner brake pad (24) and an outer brake pad (26). The inner brake pad (24) is attached to the brake piston (44) by means of a first spring wire (38), while the outer brake pad (26) is attached to the brake caliper (16) by means of a second spring wire (40).
Furthermore, a corresponding set of brake pads is shown.

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle brake, in particular an electromechanical vehicle brake, comprising a brake carrier in which a space is provided for receiving a brake rotor and on which a brake caliper is floatingly mounted via axial linear guides, an axially displaceable brake piston, and a brake pad set with an inner brake pad and an outer brake pad. The invention further relates to such a brake pad set.

Vehicle brakes convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy during braking. This is achieved by pressing the brake pads, or more specifically the brake linings, against the brake rotor, thus reducing the vehicle's speed or bringing it to a standstill. After braking, the vehicle brake is released, and the brake pads must return to their starting position. To increase the service life of the brake pads and reduce power loss, the vehicle brake should, on the one hand, have the lowest possible residual friction torque when released. On the other hand, the resulting gap between the brake rotor and the brake pads, also known as brake clearance, should not be too large.

One way to return the brake pads to their rest or starting position is by means of a sealing ring on the brake piston. This is also known as the rollback effect. When the vehicle brake is applied, the brake piston is moved, and the sealing rings are slightly deformed elastically due to their static friction. When the vehicle brake is released, the brake piston is pushed back into its starting position by the pre-tensioned sealing rings. This restores the clearance between the brake rotor and the brake pads.

This variant is commonly used in hydraulic brakes and is now being replaced, especially in electromechanical brakes, by an active control command, which pushes the brake piston back to its starting position.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the vehicle brake may have so-called return springs. These return springs serve to mechanically retract the respective brake pad from the brake rotor. The return spring extends depending on the wear of the brake pad, ensuring reliable retraction even as the pad wears down. Such return springs are typically arranged in an axial guide of the brake carrier.

With or without return springs, the brake pads could slip and jam within the axial guide, making it more difficult to return them to their starting position. This can result in residual drag torque and potentially disruptive noise.

This is possible because the brake pads are mounted with a certain amount of play within the axial guide, allowing them to move both axially and to some extent radially.

Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide a vehicle brake that ensures a defined air gap.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a vehicle brake, in particular an electromechanical vehicle brake, comprising a brake carrier in which a space is provided for receiving a brake rotor and on which a brake caliper is floatingly mounted via axial linear guides, an axially displaceable brake piston, and a brake pad set with an inner brake pad and an outer brake pad. The inner brake pad is attached to the brake piston by means of a first spring wire, while the outer brake pad is attached to the brake caliper by means of a second spring wire. In other words, the brake pads are each held in place by a spring wire on the brake piston and the brake caliper, respectively, so that the brake pads are automatically removed from the brake rotor when the vehicle brake is released, thus ensuring a predefined clearance. Accordingly, despite the vehicle brake being released, there is no unwanted wear or disturbing noise due to residual friction torque. Instead, the brake pads are removed from the brake rotor by the movement of the brake caliper or brake piston.

Preferably, the spring wires are clamps that ensure the secure attachment of the brake pads to the brake piston and caliper. For this purpose, the spring wires are specifically designed to be bent in all three spatial directions, particularly for securing the brake pads.

According to one embodiment, the inner brake pad has at least one retaining geometry to which the first spring wire engages, forming an axial mechanical connection. This ensures that the The spring wire is precisely and securely attached to the inner brake pad.

Preferably, the retaining geometry is a recess or projection in a back plate of the brake pad, which is located, in particular, centrally on the circumferential side of the inner brake pad facing the brake caliper. This centrally located retaining geometry prevents wedging in the axial guides of the brake carrier and ensures that, in particular, the surface of the inner brake pad previously acted upon by the brake piston is removed from the brake rotor.

The brake piston can have a receptacle, in particular a groove, into which the first spring wire engages. Accordingly, the spring wire is securely attached to the brake piston, so that the brake pad is automatically engaged when the brake piston moves. Additionally, due to the frictional force generated between the spring wire and the brake piston, the spring wire can act as a rotary lock for the brake piston. This can also be the case, for example, with a spindle drive, where the electrically driven spindle axially drives the brake piston, which acts as a nut.

Furthermore, the brake piston can be flattened at least in one place, so that an improved rotary locking mechanism can be provided by the spring wire.

According to a preferred embodiment, the brake caliper is designed to pivot about one of the linear guides relative to the brake carrier for changing the brake pads. Furthermore, the first spring wire has two opposing sections spaced apart from each other from above, so that when the brake piston is pivoted downwards, it is pressed between the sections and engages in the first spring wire. In particular, the resulting locking mechanism ensures secure attachment of the brake pad and, optionally, a rotary locking of the brake piston.

According to one embodiment, the first spring wire has a U-shape, wherein the free ends of the U are angled axially and have a radially outwardly projecting end piece, such that the angled free ends engage the brake pad from behind. Alternatively and/or additionally, a central, upper section of the U is angled axially outward. Likewise, the first spring wire has a portion formed into a radially inwardly projecting hook that engages the brake pad from behind. Thus, secure attachment of the inner brake pad can be ensured without risking the spring wire rubbing against the brake rotor.

According to one embodiment, the first spring wire and the second spring wire are shaped differently. That is, the first spring wire is adapted to the inner brake pad and the brake piston, while the second spring wire is adapted to the outer brake pad and the brake caliper. This not only ensures the best possible attachment of the brake pads but also prevents the spring wires from being accidentally installed incorrectly.

Preferably, the first spring wire and the second spring wire, when subjected to force, actuate the inner and outer brake pads, respectively, in a direction opposite to that of the brake rotor. In other words, the spring wires are pre-tensioned away from the brake rotor, so that even in their initial position they clamp the brake pads in the opposite direction to the brake rotor. This ensures that the brake pads are immediately removed from the brake rotor when the vehicle brake is released.

According to one embodiment, the brake caliper has at least one, preferably two, support fingers on which the rear side of the backing plate of the outer brake pad rests. The second spring wire runs around the at least one support finger. Thus, the outer brake pad is securely attached to the brake caliper or to the support fingers integrally formed with the brake caliper.

Preferably, at least one support finger terminates freely downwards, with the second spring wire having two ends that are received in the backplate of the outer brake pad from the rear and defining a pivot axis around which the second spring wire can pivot from the rear of the support fingers towards the front of the support fingers for removal of the outer brake pad around the at least one support finger. Thus, the second spring wire is only attached after the first spring wire has already been attached and the brake caliper has been pivoted onto the brake carrier. The pivot axis defined by the second spring wire makes assembly quick and easy, thereby keeping the cost of changing the brake pads low.

Preferably, the second spring wire on the back of at least one support finger can have an angled detent section with which the second spring wire detent in a recess on the brake caliper. Thus, the second The spring wire is attached using a snap-fit connection, which allows for easy and quick assembly and disassembly, especially when changing the brake pad set.

According to one embodiment, the brake pads have circumferential extensions that engage in an axial guide on the brake carrier to guide the axial movement of the brake pads relative to the brake rotor. Accordingly, a defined and minimal movement of the brake pads along the axial direction towards and away from the brake rotor is possible.

Preferably, the extensions of the brake pads have some play in the axial guide.

This prevents the extensions from jamming within the axial guide, especially since no return springs are required in the axial guide.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a brake pad set for a vehicle brake, in particular an electromechanical brake, preferably according to one of the preceding embodiments, with an inner brake pad and an outer brake pad. A first spring wire is assigned to the inner brake pad and a second spring wire to the outer brake pad, with which the brake pads can be attached to a brake piston or a brake caliper. As already mentioned with regard to the vehicle brake, the spring wires ensure secure attachment of the brake pads to the brake piston or the brake caliper and ensure that the defined clearance is restored when the vehicle brake is released by moving the brake pads back to their initial position.

According to a preferred embodiment, the spring wires are clamps and have angled sections with which they engage the associated brake pad. This defines a type of snap-fit connection that is easy to assemble and release, so that both the installation and removal of the brake pad set in the vehicle brake is quick and easy.

Preferably, the outer brake pad has openings on its opposite sides of its back plate into which the ends of the spring wire engage, forming a pivot axis, thereby securing the spring wire in its position during assembly.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeugbremse;
• 2 eine Teilschnittansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse;
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Bremsklotzsatzes;
• 4 eine Detailansicht der Federdrähte des in 3 gezeigten Bremsklotzsatzes, wobei 4A einen ersten Federdraht und 4B einen zweiten Federdraht zeigt;
• 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse während eines ersten Montageschritts des Bremsklotzsatzes;
• 6 eine perspektivische Teilansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse während eines zweiten Montageschritts;
• 7 eine Draufsicht der in 6 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse im Bereich des innenliegenden Bremsklotzes;
• 8 eine perspektivische Ansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse während eines dritten Montageschritts;
• 9 eine Schnittansicht der in 8 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse;
• 10 eine Detailansicht der in 9 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse;
• 11 eine Schnittansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse während eines vierten Montageschritts;
• 12 eine Draufsicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse, nachdem der erste Federdraht angebracht wurde;
• 13 eine perspektivische Ansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse während eines fünften Montageschritts;
• 14 eine Detailansicht der in 13 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse;
• 15 eine perspektivische Ansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse während eines sechsten Montageschritts; und
• 16 eine Teilschnittansicht der in 1 gezeigten Fahrzeugbremse mit dem montierten zweiten Federdraht.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the following drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show:

• 1 a perspective view of a vehicle brake according to the invention;
• 2 a partial sectional view of the in 1 vehicle brake shown;
• 3 a perspective view of a brake pad set according to the invention;
• 4 a detailed view of the spring wires of the in 3 brake pad set shown, wherein 4A a first spring wire and 4B shows a second spring wire;
• 5 a perspective view of the in 1 The vehicle brake shown during a first assembly step of the brake pad set;
• 6 a perspective partial view of the in 1 vehicle brake shown during a second assembly step;
• 7 a top view of the in 6 Vehicle brake shown in the area of the inner brake pad;
• 8 a perspective view of the in 1 vehicle brake shown during a third assembly step;
• 9 a sectional view of the in 8 vehicle brake shown;
• 10 a detailed view of the in 9 vehicle brake shown;
• 11 a sectional view of the in 1 vehicle brake shown during a fourth assembly step;
• 12 a top view of the in 1 shown vehicle brake after the first spring wire was attached;
• 13 a perspective view of the in 1 vehicle brake shown during a fifth assembly step;
• 14 a detailed view of the in 13 vehicle brake shown;
• 15 a perspective view of the in 1 The vehicle brake shown during a sixth assembly step; and
• 16 a partial sectional view of the in 1 The vehicle brake shown has the second spring wire installed.

In 1 A vehicle brake 10 with an actuator unit 12 is shown. The vehicle brake 10 is a disc brake and is assigned to a wheel of the vehicle. In addition to the actuator unit 12, the vehicle brake 10 comprises a brake housing 14 with a brake caliper 16 and a brake carrier 18, by means of which the vehicle brake 10 is attached to the vehicle body. The brake caliper 16 is connected to the brake carrier 18 via linear guides 20 and is axially movable relative to the brake carrier 18 by means of these guides, and is thus floatingly mounted. The brake caliper 16 surrounds a brake rotor (not shown), i.e., a brake disc, which is axially actuated by a brake pad set 22 (see 3 ) can be clamped.

The brake pad set 22 comprises a brake pad 24 located inwards relative to the vehicle's transverse axis and an outer brake pad 26, each brake pad 24, 26 having a backing plate 28 and a brake lining 30 attached to the backing plate 28, which comes into contact with the brake rotor when the vehicle brake 10 is applied. The brake pads 24, 26, in particular their backing plates 28, have circumferentially projecting extensions 32 which engage in an axial guide 34 on the brake carrier 18 in order to guide the brake pads 24, 26 relative to the brake rotor during axial movement. This is, for example, 5 shown.

The inner brake pad 24 also has a holding geometry 36, as shown in 2 The retaining geometry 36 is in particular a recess or a projection in the back plate 28. The retaining geometry 36 is preferably located centrally in the circumferential direction on the side of the inner brake pad 24 facing the brake caliper 16.

In contrast, the outer brake pad 26 has a recess on each of its opposite, circumferentially facing sides, which are preferably located above the projections 32. This is, for example, 3 shown.

To further secure the brake pads 30 to the back plate 28, the brake pads 30 can have one or more extensions on their side facing the back plate 28, with which they engage in recesses in the back plate 28.

Alternatively, the back plates 28 can also have extensions on their sides facing the brake pads 30, which engage in recesses in the brake pads 30.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the brake pads 30 are bonded, crimped and/or riveted to the backing plates 28.

As especially in the 2 and 3 As can be seen, the brake pad set 22 also includes two spring wires 38, 40, by means of which the brake pads 24, 26 are fastened. The exact fastening of the brake pads 24, 26 is described in detail below.

The axially inner brake pad 24 is mounted so that it is axially displaceable on the brake carrier 18. The axially outer brake pad 26, on the other hand, is attached to at least one support finger 42, which is an integral part of the brake caliper 16. Typically, the outer brake pad 26 is attached to two support fingers 42. Thus, when the vehicle brake 10 is activated by the actuator unit 12, in particular by a brake piston 44 designed as a spindle nut, the axially inner brake pad 24 is actively subjected to a clamping force.

The axially displaceable brake caliper 16 ensures that the outer brake pad 26 is also subjected to the clamping force. The clamping force is distributed essentially evenly between the inner brake pad 24 and the outer brake pad 26. Thus, due to the provided clamping force, a frictional connection between both brake pads 24 and 26 of the brake pad set 22 and the brake rotor is ensured, which is used to decelerate or lock the vehicle.

To ensure clearance between the brake rotor and the brake pads 24, 26 when the vehicle brake 10 is released, these are, as already mentioned, attached to the brake piston 44 and the support fingers 42, respectively, by means of the spring wires 38, 40. The inner brake pad 24 is attached to the brake piston 44 by means of a first spring wire 38, while the outer brake pad 26 is attached to the support fingers 42 of the brake caliper 16 by means of a second spring wire 40. The first spring wire 38 and the second spring wire 40 are shaped differently and thus adapted for attaching the respective brake pads 24, 26.

The first spring wire 38, which is in 4A As can be seen, it has a U-shape. The free ends 46 of the U are angled in the axial direction and have a radially outwardly projecting, i.e., radially outwardly angled, end piece 48. This allows the angled free ends 46 to engage the inner brake pad 24, in particular its back plate 28, from behind.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a middle upper section of the U is angled axially outwards (with respect to the later installation position) and also has a radially inwards angle. henden hook 50 reshaped section that engages the brake block 24 from behind, see 3 The hook 50 or the upper middle section of the first spring wire 38 engages in the holding geometry 36 of the back plate 28 of the inner brake pad 24, so that a mechanical connection in the axial direction is possible.

In order for the inner brake pad 24 to be attached to the brake piston 44 by means of the first spring wire 38, the brake piston 44 has a receptacle 52 into which the first spring wire 38 can engage. This receptacle 52 is preferably a groove, see [reference]. 2 .

Since the hook 50 and the free ends 46 of the first spring wire 38 are attached to the back plate 28 of the inner brake pad 24, two opposing sections of the first spring wire 38, corresponding to the legs of the U, engage in the receptacle 52 of the brake piston 44 and clamp it between them.

The second spring wire 40, which is in 4B The second spring wire 40, as shown, also has free ends 46'. However, here the free ends 46' are first bent axially inwards and then towards each other, so that they can engage in the corresponding recesses in the back plate 28 of the outer brake pad 26, which are complementary to the end 46'. The free ends 46' of the second spring wire 40 define a pivot axis about which the second spring wire 40 can pivot relative to the back plate 28.

Additionally, the second spring wire 40 has an angled detent section 54 located in the middle area.

To attach the outer brake pad 26 to the support fingers 42 of the brake caliper 16, the detent section 54 of the second spring wire 40 is hooked into a recess 56 of the brake caliper 16, creating a detent connection.

Since the brake pads 24, 26 are fastened by means of spring wires 38, 40, the brake pads 24, 26 are each subjected to force in a direction opposite to the direction towards the brake rotor by the spring wires 38, 40. Accordingly, it is ensured that the brake pads 24, 26 are removed from the brake rotor after the end of a braking process, thus preventing disruptive noise and residual friction torque.

Based on the 5 to 16 The assembly of the brake pad set 22 is illustrated. For assembly, the linear guide 20, which does not serve as a pivot axis for the brake caliper 16, is first removed.

As in 5 As can be seen, the brake caliper 16 is first pivoted over the other linear guide 20 in relation to the brake carrier 18, so that the brake pads 24, 26 together with their spring wires 38, 40 can be inserted into the respective axial guides 34.

In the next step, which will take place in 6 and 7 As illustrated, the first spring wire 38, in particular the hook 50, is hooked into the holding geometry 36 of the inner brake pad 24.

The brake caliper 16 is then pivoted back onto the brake carrier 18, whereby the brake piston 44 is pressed between the two opposing sections of the spring wire 38, which are spaced apart when viewed from above, as it pivots downwards. The downward pivoting of the brake caliper 16 is in the 8 to 10 to see.

Since the brake piston 44 is pressed between the sections of the first spring wire 38 (legs of the U), the first spring wire 38 engages in the receptacle 52 of the brake piston 44, as shown in 11 As can be seen. For better fixation, the legs of the U are curved outwards to accommodate the brake piston 44 and achieve a locking mechanism. Thus, the inner brake pad 24 is held against the brake piston 44 by the first spring wire 38, without the first spring wire 38 protruding axially outwards beyond the back plate 28. In addition to securely attaching the inner brake pad 24, the first spring wire 38, which engages in the receptacle 52 of the brake piston 44, also provides a rotary locking mechanism for the brake piston 44 via frictional engagement.

To achieve an even more effective rotary locking mechanism, the brake piston 44 can be flattened on two opposite sides, which correspond to the opposing sections (legs) of the first spring wire 38. This ensures that the rotary locking mechanism is provided not only by frictional force but also by a positive fit.

In 12 It is once again made clear that first the first spring wire 38 is attached and the brake caliper 16 is pivoted, so that although both brake pads 24, 26 are installed, the outer brake pad 26 has not yet been attached to the support fingers 42 of the brake caliper 16.

The brake pad 26 is attached after the brake caliper 16 has been reattached to the brake Carrier 18 was swivelled and the second linear guide 20 was reattached.

As in the 13 and 14 As can be seen, the second spring wire 40 is inserted into the openings of the back plate 28 of the outer brake pad 26, so that the middle section of the second spring wire 40 runs axially around the outside of the support fingers 42. Initially, there is some play between the second spring wire 40 and the support fingers 42.

In the final step of the assembly, which takes place in the 15 and 16 As shown, the detent section 54 of the second spring wire 40 is pivoted upwards and hooked into the recess 56 of the brake caliper 16, thereby also minimizing the play between the second spring wire 40 and the support fingers 42.

To change the brake pad set 22, the steps described for assembly simply need to be carried out in reverse order.

Thus, the locking connection between the second spring wire 40 and the brake caliper 16 is first released and the spring wire 40 is pivoted downwards before the brake caliper 16 is pivoted open.

By pivoting the brake caliper 16, the first spring wire 38 is moved out of the receptacle 52 of the brake piston 44, and the first spring wire 38 can be easily removed from the inner brake pad 24 by releasing the mechanical connection. The brake pads 24 and 26 can then be removed from the axial guides 34, allowing a new set of brake pads 22 to be installed.

Claims (15)

Vehicle brake (10), in particular electromechanical vehicle brake, with a brake carrier (18) in which a space for receiving a brake rotor is provided and on which a brake caliper (16) is floatingly mounted via axial linear guides (20), an axially displaceable brake piston (44) and a brake pad set (22) with an inner brake pad (24) and an outer brake pad (26), wherein the inner brake pad (24) is attached to the brake piston (44) by means of a first spring wire (38) and the outer brake pad (26) is attached to the brake caliper (16) by means of a second spring wire (40). Vehicle brake (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the inner brake pad (24) has at least one retaining geometry (36) on which the first spring wire (38) engages, forming an axial mechanical connection. Vehicle brake (10) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the retaining geometry (36) is a recess or a projection in a back plate (28) of the inner brake pad (24), which is located, in particular, centrally on the circumferential side of the inner brake pad (24) facing the brake caliper (16). Vehicle brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brake piston (44) has a receptacle (52), in particular a groove, into which the first spring wire (38) engages. Vehicle brake (10) after Claim 4 , characterized in that the brake caliper (16) is designed to pivot about one of the linear guides (20) to the brake carrier (18) for changing the brake pads (24, 26) and the first spring wire (38) has two opposing sections which are spaced apart from each other when viewed from above, so that the brake piston (44) is pressed between the sections when pivoting downwards and engages in the first spring wire (38). Vehicle brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring wire (38) has a U-shape, wherein the free ends (46) of the U are angled in the axial direction and have a radially outwardly projecting end piece (48) so that the angled free ends (46) engage the inner brake pad (24) from the rear, and/or wherein a middle, upper section of the U is angled axially outward and additionally has a partial area formed into a radially inwardly projecting hook (50) which engages the inner brake pad (24) from the rear. Vehicle brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring wire (38) and the second spring wire (40) are shaped differently. Vehicle brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring wire (38) and the second spring wire (40) each exert force on the inner brake pad (24) and the outer brake pad (26) respectively in a direction opposite to the direction towards the brake rotor. Vehicle brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , that the brake caliper (16) has at least one, preferably two, support fingers (42) on which the rear of the back plate (28) of the outer brake pad (26) is supported, wherein the second spring wire (40) runs around the at least one support finger (42). Vehicle brake (10) after Claim 9 , characterized in that the at least one support finger (42) terminates freely downwards and the second spring wire (40) has two ends (46') which are received in the back plate (28) of the outer brake pad (26) from the rear of the back plate (28) and define a pivot axis about which the second spring wire (40) can be pivoted from the rear of the support fingers (42) towards the front of the support fingers (42) for the purpose of disassembling the outer brake pad (26). Vehicle brake (10) after Claim 10 , characterized in that the second spring wire (40) has an angled detent section (54) on the back of at least one support finger (42), with which the second spring wire (40) detent in a recess (56) on the brake caliper (16). Vehicle brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brake blocks (24, 26) have circumferential extensions (32) which engage in an axial guide (34) on the brake carrier (18) in order to guide the axial movement of the brake blocks (24, 26) relative to the brake rotor. Brake pad set (22) for a vehicle brake (10), in particular an electromechanical brake, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an inner brake pad (24) and an outer brake pad (26), and a first spring wire (38) associated with the inner brake pad (24) and a second spring wire (40) associated with the outer brake pad (26), with which the brake pads (24, 26) can be attached to a brake piston (44) and a brake caliper (16). brake pad set (22) according Claim 13 , characterized in that the spring wires (38, 40) are clamps and have angled sections with which they engage the associated brake block (24, 26). brake pad set (22) according Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the outer brake block (26) has openings on opposite sides of its back plate (28) into which the ends (46') of the second spring wire (40) engage, forming a pivot axis.